Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science develops core knowledge and understanding of basic ophthalmic science, which focuses on preventing blindness, promoting eye health, and rehabilitating those with a visual disability. You will develop knowledge of ophthalmic science alongside practical diagnostic and prognostic, management and surgical skills.

Our ophthalmology programs have been developed and are taught by the Save Sight Institute at the Sydney Eye Hospital. They have extensive experience in providing the best quality ophthalmic care in both developed and developing countries.

Covering the basic ophthalmic sciences, this course is delivered online and is complimented by an intensive face-to-face practical workshop, which offers flexibility for busy professionals. You will acquire a detailed theoretical understanding of ophthalmic anatomy, physiology and optics, skills in the practical applications of ophthalmic equipment, and familiarity with anatomical specimens, prosections, radiographs and electron micrographs.

Our Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science is primarily for medical graduates who are interested in a career in related fields, although students may also come from allied health and science backgrounds. Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to their careers in medicine and the visual sciences and improve the eye health in their communities.

Specialisations

Entry, fees, funding & how to apply

Depends on your qualification, citizenship status

I would like to start study in

I am

The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.

Your fee

How to apply

Research areas

What you'll study

Study plan

The majority of the Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science is in the form of distance learning. The course consists of 36 credit points, which requires the completion of four core units of study. Each of the two core units of study (ophthalmic anatomy and ophthalmic physiology) require one semester of study to complete and are taught via the Internet. Assignments are set every three weeks and a final exam is submitted at the end of the unit of study. The unit of study, Practical Ophthalmic Science is a three week block/intensive mode (15 days) to be taken at the Save Sight Institute in Sydney or at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Applying for admission

Completion requirement

Capstone (compulsory project)

Assumed knowledge

Applying for honours

Admission requirement

A successful applicant for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Science will hold: (a) a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or (b) a bachelor's degree with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or (c) a bachelor's degree without first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification. Applicants must have completed work equivalent to a first or second class honours bachelor's degree or pass a preliminary examinations/s as prescribed by the school. In exceptional circumstances the dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the school, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.

Course opportunities

Option to combine with

Professional accreditation

Career pathways & prospects

Future study options

Graduate opportunities

The course aims to assist primarily medical graduates applying for a position in a RANZCO recognised training program. It also aims to assist all graduates who are interested in careers in the visual and neurosciences to have a good grounding in the ophthalmic and visual sciences. Students of this course will gain practical skills including the ability to understand the practical applications of ophthalmic equipment, familiarity with anatomical specimens, prosections, radiographs and electronmicrographs and the ability to apply psychometric testing to obtain reliable and repeatable data. Graduates will be able to apply these practical skills to their careers in the visual sciences and improve the eye health of our community.

Career information for UAC

Domestic students

Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount

The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol.
For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.

Annual review and fee increases

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.

Annual review and fee increase

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental costs

For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.

International students

Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students

The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.

Annual review and fee increases

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental costs and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.